At the heart of WOW are the conversations we need to have, led by people who have created change in their countries and in their communities. These sessions explore many of the issues women, girls, and those who identify as women and girls, in Queensland and in other Commonwealth countries talked about during our ‘Thinkins’, issues faced today by all those working towards a more gender equal world.

WOW Bites are short talks, readings and soapbox moments on a wide range of subjects designed to inspire, engage and introduce new ideas. International guests will join local Queensland women in these sessions which will take place throughout the weekend. WOW Bites have been made possible through support from QSuper.

A WOW favourite — join experts from across many fields — artists, scientists, architects, journalists, entrepreneurs, WOW speakers and women with no label at all for four 10 – 15 minute mentoring sessions over an hour long session. Share your challenges, exchange ideas and stories and potentially identify a new mentor. Sign up through our website when you have bought your day pass or when you register.

An integral part of any WOW, the marketplace will feature artists, businesses, social enterprises and women’s organisations from Queensland and the Pacific. You will be able to join a circle of weavers, sample beauty products made from traditional bush medicine techniques and ingredients for the Northern Territory, or purchase screen-printed fabrics and unique artwork. And when you need a break from shopping, sample locally grown and brewed coffee whilst you select from the tastes of the Commonwealth to satisfy your cravings! The Healing Space will bring together traditional healing practices. From morning Yoga to meditation, Festival attendees will be able to participate in a combination of information sessions and healing demonstrations, bush medicines, and beauty products in a purpose built ‘venue’ on the performance lawn. Festival goers will also be able to book in for one-on-one treatments at an additional cost.

The performance program will feature a range of local Queensland artists in a celebration and demonstration of the diverse and vibrant cultural content we have in our State. This program has been supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and Arts Queensland within the Department of Environment and Science.

The exhibition program for WOW builds on the reputation of the Brisbane Powerhouse, with displays featuring documentary photography that turns the lens to focus on women’s lives and women producers, showcasing stories that are often unseen and untold.

Four separate ticketed shows form part of WOW at the Brisbane Powerhouse the internationally acclaimed show Hot Brown Honey, a world premiere of Veiqia21 from Vou Fiji, Thoda Dhyaan Se (Be Careful) from Indian artist Mallika Taneja, and the final night concert presented in partnership with QPAC ‘Songs That Made Me’.

From the moment they enter the world (maybe even before, according to researchers), our children are observing and absorbing society's gender rules - and the pattern is pretty well learned by age seven. WOW will host two interactive, creative and artists led sessions.

Under Tens (Girls Only) unpick those rules, and imagine a world without them - and tell us the changes they want to see in their future.

Under Tens (BoysOnly) explore how the rules might be different for girls, what that means for girls' lives and what boys can do to help build gender equality.

Over the coming weeks we will be sharing with you the range of arts and cultural events which will take place in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games which showcase and celebrate women artists and performers.